Summary
This two-volume set of books helps readers understand the Holocaust. As stated in the Reader’s Guide, “Understanding the Holocaust provides a comprehensive range of historical information and current commentary on the Holocaust, the period between 1933 and 1945 when Adolf Hitler and his Nazi Party attempted to systematically eliminate the Jews of Europe, as well as Jehovah’s Witnesses, homosexuals, and other ‘enemies of the state’” (xi). One of the first items readers encounter is a Holocaust Timeline, in the form of a list of years with a brief description of an important event, that begins in 1871 and ends in 1998, the publication year of this book. A horizontal timeline runs along the bottom of the pages. Next, readers find a glossary of words they need to know while reading. Then, each chapter’s topic is about a specific element relating to the Holocaust. For example, Chapter 1 is titled, “Germany and the Jewish People Before the Holocaust” and Chapter 2 is titled, “The Rise of the Nazi Party.” Maps, photographs, and illustrations provide visual information. The end of each volume includes a “Where to Learn More” section providing information of more books and articles related to this topic. Finally, an index alphabetically lists key terms.
Evaluation
The glossary’s location at the front of the book, before readers even begin reading the text, is a great idea. It implies the importance of these words for understanding, rather than at the back of the book where readers might not think to look. The chapters delve deep into the issues of the topic to provide readers with a thorough understanding of the causes and events leading up to the Holocaust and during it. The text on the pages is broken up into unimposing sections by subheadings, sidebars, maps, photographs, and statistics that directly relate to the information on the page. These items draw the reader’s attention to the page and make the information more comprehensible. They also put faces to the names to make the events even more personal and real. Readers cannot help but feel some element of terror, shock, and sadness when they see such images of Jewish men digging their own graves. These two volumes give readers a complete understanding of how the Holocaust happened and what it was about.
Readers’ Annotation
This two-volume set of books provides readers with a thorough understanding of the rise of the Nazi party, the Holocaust, and its aftermath. Detailed text and captivating illustrations give readers the background necessary to comprehend this time in world history.
Author Information
George Feldman is an author who specializes in writing about the Holocaust and World War II. During WWII, his father, Benjamin, fought in the French Army against the Nazis and escaped to hide. His mother, Sonia, lived in hiding in Limoges. His sister, Renee, was born in hiding. His uncle Boris also fought in the French Army against the Nazis, but was captured and spent five years as a prisoner of war. Lisa, Boris’s wife, was arrested by the French police and sent to Bergen-Belsen. She survived. Their sons, George Feldman’s cousins Toli and Mara, also went to Bergen-Belsen with their mother Lisa and also survived.
Clearly, George Feldman’s first-hand experience with the Holocaust has influenced his writing. His goal is to provide the world with more understanding.
Genre
Nonfiction
Curriculum Ties
World War II, Holocaust, World history
Booktalking Ideas
How did the Holocaust happen?
Reading/ Interest Level
Appropriate for ages 15 and up
Challenge Issues
N/A
Why included?
When we read about Anne Frank as well as portions of her diary, students always ask me about the Holocaust. It is impossible for me to have all the answers. This is an excellent resource to help them understand the Holocaust and the events leading up to it. Students always want to know why didn’t the Jews just say they weren’t Jewish? I hope these books help them realize that it wasn’t as easy as that.
